When I left off last Sunday, I was walking
with my guide dog Lucky down Main Street in Johnstown on a hot, hazy
day. As we approached the intersection with Franklin Street, the hot
summer sun melted its way through the haze. Lucky stopped us at the
curb and I listened to the traffic flow to determine when to go.

This intersection is fairly easy. since
the walk cycle stops all vehicular traffic. At the appropriate moment,
I commanded Lucky, "forward" and away we went across Franklin and
on down Main. The sun quickly heated the pavement and I noticed Lucky
keeping us close to buildings to walk in their shade.

We continued to Bedford Street without
problem and crossed to the north side of Main Street to walk back
to where we started. We were soon back at the corner of Main and Franklin.
When I commanded Lucky to go, he made a move on his own contrary to
my desire. He crossed the intersection at a diagonal.

I am not sure whether he did this because
he saw people walking that way or whether he was trying to get back
to a shadier side of the street. I didn't fight this move, since I
knew it was safe. Nevertheless, when the next walk cycle came, I made
Lucky cross back to the north side of Main Street. As I commanded
him to continue up Main Street, he pulled another contrary move and
we were walking through Central Park. By now, I realized that Lucky
was getting too hot, so I found a bench in the shade and allowed him
to cool down.

Later that night on the evening news,
I learned that a canine officer with his dog was in the park at the
same time that Lucky and I were there. Lucky sees every dog as a potential
playmate, so that may have been another reason he pulled me into the
park. Also, there were many children in the park. Lucky never met
a kid whose face he didn't want to lick.

After a half hour's rest in the shade,
I directed Lucky back to the north side of Main Street and we made
our way without further incident back up to where my wife was waiting
for us. This independent or, perhaps, contrary streak that occurs
in guide dogs is actually a positive trait. On this day, he was acting
in his own best interest. However, if I should unknowingly direct
him toward danger, he would defy my command and take me a safer way.
He is my eyes, so I hope he is with me for many more birthdays.

A teenaged girl won a prize trip to Washington
to meet President Calvin Coolidge. As she shook his hand, she said,
"Mr. President, my dad bet me ten dollars I wouldn't get three words
out of you." President Coolidge replied, "Dad wins."

Sent by Bud Macfarlane

Advent
thought for the day

Jesus was born into the family of men,
that we may be Born Again into the family of God.

 Billy Graham
Sent by George Dilling

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